On Friday 26th April 2024, Iain Robertson took the helm of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) as national chair.

Previously the HCA vice chair, the former NHS chef, who has been catering operations manager at Solent NHS Trust for the past four years, was voted to the chair of the Association following their AGM. He succeeds outgoing chair, Brian Robb.

Robertson’s main focus areas are likely to involve making the Association more inclusive and, in particular, attracting younger catering leaders to ensure it is truly representative of the health and social care sector, which has seen huge changes over the past decade.

Speaking after his appointment he said: “Since I joined the NHS in 1999, I have passionately believed that tasty wholesome food plays a crucial part in a patient’s recovery from illness or surgery, yet all too often is either overlooked or undervalued. I intend to change that.”

“The HCA believes in promoting catering excellence, and I am looking forward to working with like-minded colleagues to drive up quality where needed and showcase some of the amazing work already going on in NHS kitchens across the country.”